US, Israel Targeting Basij Forces Who Cracked Down on Protesters to Enable Renewed Demonstrations

U.S. and Israeli officials say ongoing airstrikes in Iran are deliberately targeting Basij paramilitary members who violently suppressed anti-government protests earlier in 2026, with the stated objective of enabling renewed demonstrations once the bombing campaign concludes. An Israeli official stated the targeting is part of efforts to create the conditions for regime change, while a U.S. official confirmed Basij members are among the prioritized targets. Officials acknowledged that actual regime collapse would require internal dissent from Iranian leadership, which has not yet materialized despite the sustained aerial campaign.